razor

American  

[rey-zer] / ˈreɪ zər /

noun

1. a sharp-edged instrument used especially for shaving the face or trimming the hair.

2. an electrically powered instrument used for the same purpose.

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verb (used with object)

1. to shave, cut, or remove with or as if with a razor.

idioms

1. on the razor's edge, in a difficult or precarious position.

razor British  

/ ˈreɪzə /

noun

1. a sharp implement used esp by men for shaving the face

2. in an acute dilemma

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verb

1. (tr) to cut or shave with a razor

razor More Idioms  

1. see sharp as a tack (razor).

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Other Word Forms

• razorless adjective
• unrazored adjective

Etymology

Origin of razor

1250–1300; Middle English rasour < Old French rasor, equivalent to ras ( er ) to raze + -or -or ²

Example Sentences

Townsend's thinking on his starting tighthead against France was razor sharp.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Long ditches lined with coils of razor wire and concrete pyramids known as dragon’s teeth await Russia’s increasingly rare armored attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Once a symbol of cooperation, the 'Friendship Bridge' connecting the two snow-covered banks has been reinforced with rows of razor wire and anti-tank obstacles.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Yet the margin for error through that stretch, considering USC’s eight losses, is razor thin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2026

All around, as far as I can see, the fence is topped with curling razor wire.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

• blade
• knife
• shaver